The Author's POV

A new morning arrived.

As soon as I woke up, I washed up and had breakfast with my family. After that, I got changed and left the apartment. Not going to lie, the last part took me a little longer than expected due to some unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, I was still on time.

"Are you ready?"

I was greeted by Amanda when I arrived at the front of the flat. She looked quite vivacious with her long white skirt and a black turtleneck that hid her neck.

Upon seeing her, I apologized immediately.

"Sorry, Nola was giving me a hard time."

"What happened this time?"

"…She had a nightmare, and she didn't want to let go of me."

Amanda covered her mouth and laughed.

"That's adorable."

"Not when you're in a hurry."

"It's fine, let's go. I've got the driver waiting downstairs."

"Thanks…"

Thanking Amanda, my mood shifted. Not in a good way as I was reminded of my purpose.

'...It's been a while since I last paid a visit.'

To Smallsnake's grave.

About a year or so.

I just couldn't bear to go. It reminded me of my failure. My failure in saving someone that was dear to me.

...But I also knew that this couldn't go on anymore.

As I was getting ready to leave for Immorra, I thought I should pay him a visit. It was about time I moved on.

"It's alright."

I felt Amanda squeeze my hand as she looked up at me. Meeting her gaze, I felt my heart calm down a little as a smile spread across my face.

Then, squeezing her hand back, I leaned my body forward and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You…"

"Thanks."

I let go of her hand and moved away toward the elevators. Pretending ignorance to her bewildered expression.

It was about time I got her back because of how cheeky she had been acting lately. I was satisfied with just seeing her reaction.

…and it was exactly because of this feeling that I was experiencing that my face turned somber.

'I can't lose this.'

This little joy in my life.

It was probably the only thing that was stopping me from losing it.

So…

I had to do everything to not lose it.

***

Amanda stared at Ren's parting back with her hand pressed against the side of her cheek.

'It's hot.'

while she felt the heat rise on

expected. Most likely because this

would always be her who initiated. She didn't blame him,

though their progress was extremely slow, it was nonetheless still progress, and Amanda could see from Ren's behavior that he

and her heart warmed up a

But...

with her arm while her other hand touched her cheek,

just a

***

Tap. Tap. Tap.

of tabs flashed across Ryan's screen as

wonder if Ryan was actually able to see what the tabs exhibited given how quickly they arrived and disappeared. Unexpectedly, it seemed like he could

of him, Ryan's hand paused. Then, with a furrow of his brows, he mumbled

external generator that is powering up the system. If I disable the system, the generator will activate and the enemies will be

to stare at one of the monitors, Ryan

won't be able to assist you any longer, guys. They have a backup generator for their system. You must act quickly since the only thing I

[No problem]

echoed inside of

It belonged to Ava.

handle this without a problem. I'll get back at you in ten minutes. We should be able to finish the mission by

"Got it."

communication shut

screen, Ryan took a pen from the side

able to

mercenaries, they unavoidably had to perform tasks from time to time. They were required by

the past, it wasn't an issue before, but when their mercenary organization rose in status, they were

to be trifled with. It wasn't just the fame that came with it, but they were also granted priority to

everyone in the group took turns, and at the moment, it

complete, we can

the table and reclined on

stared at the

job sure

to make up for his absence, but even after two years

role that he understood just how good Smallsnake was

not think about

his chest tighten whenever he thought

time had passed, he couldn't move on

he was still a teenager, or maybe because Smallsnake meant so much to him, but every day, he would force himself to learn and improve his methods.

did he want such

Ding—!

Ryan received a message. It was

drop whatever they are doing. We are going to another planet in two days' time. I want everyone

blinked a couple of times as heavy silence fell

tried to calm down, but when he saw the words 'another planet'

with all of his might. Unknowingly, his foot started to shake in a nervous

'Calm down Ryan.'

for him to quell his rough breathing, and even then, he could feel his heart

"Huff…huff…"

his teeth, he brought his fingers to the

[Okay.]

a simple message. One that only contained a single word. And one that took all of

stood up from his seat

head to look at his mirror while resting both of his hands on the desk to support his body. He said, staring at

on, I need

***

"We're here."

stretched my body. A familiar chapel appeared in

my eyes while breathing in the

'Here I am.'

I had been here. Honestly, everything felt so familiar yet so unfamiliar at the

put how I was feeling into words,

was eating away at the little